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OAKLAND, Calif. -- Their loss yesterday to the Raiders might have cost the Steelers a realistic chance to make the playoffs. It certainly ended the season for two of their players.

Halfback Verron Haynes and linebacker Arnold Harrison each left the game yesterday with knee injuries.

"I think we probably lost Verron and Arnold Harrison for the year," coach Bill Cowher said.

Starting center Jeff Hartings also left the game after a first-half knee injury that Cowher said could keep him out "for an extended period of time."

Chukky Okobi replaced Hartings to start the second half and threw two good blocks to help spring Willie Parker for his 25-yard touchdown on a screen pass.

Parker and Najeh Davenport took turns replacing Haynes as the third-down back. Veteran Duce Staley, who has been inactive for all but one game this season, probably will suit up to take Haynes' place on the game-day roster. The Steelers will add two players to their 53-man roster to take the spots of Haynes and Harrison.

Maybe we will get what we've been asking for... more carries from Davenport! It's sad that is because of another injury... maybe Duce will have a spark that the Steelers have been looking for I'm trying to think positive!

If Duce can fill the role of a 3rd down back then he will be able to contribute some and hopefully now Najeh will get more of the carries we are looking for him to have, I agree. Nobody likes injuries, but things happen in the NFL and now more players get a chance to see what they can do.

My wife will be pissed to see Verron out, that's one of her favorites !